Hha toxin regulates diverse phenotypes of uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis including virulence.

Background: To disclose Proteus mirabilis copper detoxification mechanisms, we performed Tn5-mutagenesis and an hha gene-disrupted mutant was isolated, exhibiting increased copper sensitivity. We investigated the role of Hha in P. mirabilis, focusing on the virulence aspects.

Copper affects virulence and diverse phenotypes of uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis.

Background: Copper plays a role in urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary copper content is increased during Proteus mirabilis UTI. We therefore investigated the effect of copper on uropathogenic P. mirabilis and the underlying mechanisms, focusing on the virulence associated aspects.